Electronic module with keyed connection to a wearable garment for monitoring physiological functions and method of use

Abstract

A plurality of sensors are embedded in a form fitting garment similar to exercise togs such that the sensors are held in contact with or close proximity to the body. The sensors are connected via a plurality wires to an electronics module which is unintrusive being literally in its ultimate configuration the size of a credit card. A range of thickness, from 6 mm (6 credit cards) down to 1 mm or less, is possible for the module inclusive of a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The electronics module can be easily removed for garment maintenance (laundering).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An electronics module connected to a plurality of sensors via a plurality of wires for use in a garment to monitor physiological functions, the electronics module comprising:
 a thin polymer battery; 
 a first thin, multilayer substrate placed on and electrically connected to the battery; 
 a plurality of thinned integrated circuits placed on the first substrate; 
 a second thin, multilayer substrate placed on an opposite side of the battery from the first substrate, the second substrate including an antenna patterned thereon and a first inductive coil patterned thereon for inductively recharging the battery and reprogramming the electronics module; and 
 an attachment mechanism for connecting the electronics module to the plurality of wires, wherein 
 the attachment mechanism is keyed to ensure a proper connection, 
 the attachment mechanism is permanently installed in a pocket formed in the garment, and 
 the electronics module is programmed to select or deselect ones of the sensors. 
 
     
     
       2. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the first substrate is extended and wrapped around the battery to contact the battery terminals. 
     
     
       3. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , wherein leads on the battery are extended and wrapped around the first substrate to electrical contacts thereon. 
     
     
       4. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , the first substrate having a plurality of resistive and capacitive layers formed therein thereby providing more surface area for active devices contained in the plurality of thinned integrated circuits. 
     
     
       5. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an antenna. 
     
     
       6. The electronics module as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the antenna is patterned on a layer of the first substrate that is disposed farthest away from the battery. 
     
     
       7. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising means for wirelessly transmitting physiological data received from the plurality of sensors. 
     
     
       8. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the thinned integrated circuits further include circuitry configured to enable the electronics module to communicate with a base station configured for receiving the electronics module after the electronics module is detached from the plurality of wires to download the physiological data therefrom. 
     
     
       9. The electronics module as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a solar cell, the solar cell being thinned and placed on the battery. 
     
     
       10. A method for monitoring physiological functions comprising:
 embedding a plurality of sensors in a garment; 
 connecting a plurality of wires to the plurality of sensors; 
 connecting an electronics module to the plurality of wires; and 
 programming the electronics module to select or deselect ones of the sensors, the electronics module comprising:
 a thin polymer battery; 
 a first thin, multilayer substrate placed on and electrically connected to the battery; a plurality of thinned integrated circuits placed on the first substrate; 
 a second thin, multilayer substrate placed on an opposite side of the battery from the first substrate, the second substrate including an antenna patterned thereon and a first inductive coil patterned thereon for inductively recharging the battery and reprogramming the electronics module; and 
 an attachment mechanism for connecting the electronics module to the plurality of wires, wherein 
 the attachment mechanism is keyed to ensure a proper connection, and 
 the attachment mechanism is permanently installed in a pocket formed in the garment. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising patterning an antenna on a layer of the first substrate that is disposed farthest away from the battery. 
     
     
       12. The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the electronics module further comprises means for wirelessly transmitting physiological data received from the plurality of sensors. 
     
     
       13. The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the electronics module further comprises a solar cell, the solar cell being thinned and placed on the battery.